The Guardian: Can a face mask stop coronavirus? Covid-19 facts checked

[ffr]

The short answer, probably yes. You are up to five times better protected wearing a (N95 of better) face mask

Claim: ‘Face masks don’t work’

Wearing a face mask is certainly not an iron-clad guarantee that you won’t get sick – viruses can also transmit through the eyes and tiny viral particles, known as aerosols, can penetrate masks. However, masks are effective at capturing droplets, which is a main transmission route of coronavirus, and some studies have estimated a roughly fivefold protection versus no barrier alone (although others have found lower levels of effectiveness).

If you are likely to be in close contact with someone infected, a mask cuts the chance of the disease being passed on. If you’re showing symptoms of coronavirus, or have been diagnosed, wearing a mask can also protect others. So masks are crucial for health and social care workers looking after patients and are also recommended for family members who need to care for someone who is ill – ideally both the patient and carer should have a mask.

However, masks will probably make little difference if you’re just walking around town or taking a bus so there is no need to bulk-buy a huge supply. - The Guardian

Healthcare professionals wear face masks for a reason, they have to work in close contact with other people and patients, who are often sick. If face masks didn't work, the science would bear that out.

[samnsara]

1. i was told by health care workers that only the sick should wear them..

...as the masks are needed for those ( ill and health care folks) who really need them...that it prevented droplets from coming out of the sick person but really not effective for stopping someone from getting it. I think there will come a time where we are required to wear them sick or not along with gloves...

[dem4decades]

3. How long do you wear the gloves? Wouldn't the surface of the gloves become a carrier?

[hlthe2b]

4. The problem is that there is real measurable risk to the untrained wearer of self-contamination

taking the mask off or even while wearing. It was an issue even for health care workers during SARS--who got busy and distracted--rubbed eyes while wearing or tried to readjust the mask and apparently encountered a contaminated area of the mask, or tried to remove and contaminated face, or hands while doing so and failed to immediately and thoroughly sanitize or wash those areas.

It is hard to remember all the precautions you need to take even just wearing gloves or masks. Add the rest of the protective clothing for those providing health care and it becomes even more so, while also focusing on the patient.

I am not opposed to the public using regular masks. They should not be hoarding though--especially N95 masks.

But, they really need to know it CAN be self-defeating if not used properly.


Bottom line, priority needs to be for HCWs and the sick to wear. That doesn't mean others can not consider it, but should do so on an informed basis.

[getagrip_already]

5. They also have the benefit of reducing viral loading...

Even if they don't stop 100% of the virus from getting to you, they can and do stop the vast majority of inoculate from infecting you.

That is important because the lower dose of virus you get, the longer it takes to reproduce to levels that will make you ill. And that time gives your immune system a chance to detect it and defend you.

With a lower viral load, you get less sick, and recover quicker, than with a high viral load.

But the cdc is in a bind. There aren't enough masks to go around as it is. So they are putting out mis information. They only have 2.5 million masks in storage. they estimate they will need 20 million, and that is just for health professionals and first responders.

Yet they are investing ZERO time, money, or effort to increase supply. There are war powers available to direct / force manufacturers to vastly incease capacity. But nothing.

[ffr]

8. Good point!

[OhNo-Really]

2. The eyes are a virus entry risk

However, sick people wearing masks can
Minimize infecting others to others

US discounting the usefulness of masks because we don’t have enough even for doctors & nurses.

Austerity & government on the cheap has put us all at risk.

GOP always seem to screw up the country

🤯

[WhiteTara]

6. Would a full plastic face mask be of use?

It would cover the eyes, nose, and mouth. I'm thinking about the kind that motorcycle riders use.

[ffr]

7. Painter's mask is N95+, the ones from 3COM

For eyes, motorcycle goggles have to be breathable to prevent fogging, so no, not N95 compliant.

[WhiteTara]

10. I was thinking of those full face shields

that cover your whole face.

[boston bean]

11. I do think those might work.

[WhiteTara]

12. I think they could be modified to use with a bandana

to hold them on your head. My entrepreneurial spirit wants to make them and save lives. I think I heard about a motorcycle helmet maker who had the same idea; so when you see them on the market, know I just thought about it.

[lame54]

9. It can definitely minimize you spreading it

[Doremus]

13. I bought a couple of cases of N95 masks when sars came around

I have a good supply left and have been giving them to family, friends and anybody who asks.

When worn properly, N95 filter out 95% of particulates. They also serve the added benefit of preventing one from mindlessly touching their nose or mouth.

[denem]

14. Masks stop you touching your mouth and nose.